Best practice guides
Importance of client fund separation for letting agents
No residential letting agent needs to be reminded of the unbreakable golden rule: client funds must be kept separate from business funds to ensure landlord and tenant funds are not used as the agency’s own. This guide dives deeper into that rule from a property management system perspective.
How to avoid pet-related disputes at the end of tenancy
The UK Government has proposed some key changes to the PRS, outlined in the Fairer Renting White paper with pet ownership to become more accessible for tenants. With just 7 per cent of properties stating they are ‘pet friendly’, there are ways to reduce the likelihood of deposit disputes.
Recruiting an apprentice: employer's guide to apprenticeships
This guide is aimed at helping agents and their employers understand the often-perceived complex world and language of apprenticeships and give you the information required to support your business and staff development.
How to cope with stressful situations
You are in the thick of one of life’s most stressful moments—moving home. It is an emotionally charged process from start to finish so it's important to know simple ways you can keep your customers calm and respond positively to any complaints.
How estate agents can utilise auctions
Agents have a range of options available to them for selling a property. Choosing the right one can have a huge impact on the price achieved, the satisfaction of buyers and sellers with the process, and the reputation of the agent.
Client identity verification
The Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act will create a register upon which all foreign owners of UK property must declare their true beneficial ownership and verify their identity with Companies House. Those who do not declare will be subject to restrictions on the sale of property and may face up to five years in prison.
The Future of Renting
The Future of Renting features our recommendations to the UK Government and its plans to reform the private rented sector in England. We want to help shape and influence the UK Government’s Renters’ Reforms White Paper which is due to be released in 2022.
Energy efficiency: preparing the private rented sector for the future
Governments across the UK are consulting on implementing new energy efficiency standards for private rented property. Propertymark wants to see more energy–efficient homes, but new rules and requirements must be realistic and achievable.
Renting with pets
This guide provides letting agents and their landlords with information that can help maximise the benefits of renting with pets while taking appropriate action to minimise the risk of damage.
How to resolve deposit disputes fast (or avoid them altogether)
As many agents will be aware, disputes over tenancy deposits at the end of a tenancy can cause frustrating delays and unexpected costs. Fortunately, there are ways to resolve common disputes quickly and avoid them altogether.
Consumer Code of Conduct for Home Builders
The Consumer Code for Home Builders has produced a new code compliance starter kit for agents and home builders, in partnership with Propertymark which is now available to download.
Lifecycle of a tenancy deposit
Whether new to tenancy deposit protection or simply want to know more about the process, it helps to understand the lifecycle of deposits to avoid penalties and disputes. Debbie Davies, Head of Sales at TDS, explains seven steps every agent should be aware of.